crafting system and loot system

They could've done a better job with inventory, yeah. And same with crafting. I was so excited, I was like, I'm about to buy level 5 rank of gear, I'm so happy to max everythi --

Game opens up levels 6 to 10. KMN.

The crafting system, both Researching & Developing, gets a lot easier as you move into the game.

The system is still convoluted as frak, and was likely designed by someone who had very limited experience creating any sort of user interface.

But it does get easier as a system to fool around with later in he game, when blueprints are more prominent and resources/crafting material are much more readily available to you.

There are lots of things you can do to help yourself along with R&D - there are quite a few cryo pod perks that help you gather crafting materials, and sending out APEX strike teams all net you quite a lot of resources.

I got level 2 armor and weapons coming in at around that level. I'm 19 now I have level 3 coming in. I could probably make better though. I think really the drops are kind of meh because you can actually achieve a higher level in crafting by the time you get the drops. Just depends on what you prioritize. If you only prioritize 1-2 items you can easily achieve level 3 crafting early on at around 10.

My best tips would be: do the optional side content early on and break everything down to materials that you know for sure you won't use. Then go slog through every system you have available and pick everything up. A lot of planets have satellites or "interesting formations/weather" which give you data. I had 800 data for one without even really trying at all. I could pretty much make whatever I want.

All of that being said though having all update to gear/weapons hasn't made a huge difference for me. Now I am not playing on insanity, but it doesn't seem all that important. I spent most of my research on getting a chest piece with augmentations that improve my shielding and give me a chance on break to recover my shields or health. Then I put the last bit into getting the carnifex. I use an alien assault rifle that's lighter weight and a rem melee weapon I found. I'm a vanguard and really haven't had any trouble. I've only died a handful of times when I had no cover around to really utilize right away.